PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between James Osterberg (ranked 2281 p4p, 109 weight class) and Marcelo Barbosa (ranked 2201 p4p, 102 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Osterberg
vs
Barbosa

168 cm
26
139 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

165 cm
25
137 lbs
12 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, James Osterberg!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Marcelo Barbosa!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Donald Grub and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barbosa throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Marcelo Barbosa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Osterberg showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Barbosa.
Osterberg defending well as Barbosa loads up on a big left hand.
Osterberg fails to land the takedown.
Barbosa just misses with a punch to the body.

Osterberg feints and as Barbosa raises his hands in defense, Osterberg changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Barbosa has his foot on Osterberg's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Osterberg works his way back into a safe position though.
Osterberg stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Barbosa swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Osterberg trying to control the position from guard on top but Barbosa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barbosa avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Osterberg working some strikes from top position.
Barbosa not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barbosa looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Barbosa is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Osterberg wants to pass the guard but Barbosa is keeping the position.
Osterberg stays in close to Barbosa's body and controls the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Osterberg accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Osterberg controlling from the top position.
Osterberg looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Osterberg postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Barbosa is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Osterberg rolls with it to try and escape but Barbosa cranks on the arm and Osterberg is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Marcelo Barbosa!
In defeat, James Osterberg stepped up to the mic, saying 'No worries! Everyone knows that my opponent here has a bad habit of testing positive for PEDs and illegal recreational drugs, so I'm confident this fight will soon be ruled a "No Contest." Thanks everyone for continuing to support those of us who fight clean.'.